One of the problems of having stamp sets that coordinate with dies is the feeling that you should use them together. Every now and then I love to mix and match products and have made some great projects as a result. However, after making today’s project using the Suit & Tie Dies I decided not to bother with a sentiment at all. So now my finished gift tag can be used for any number of occasions, or I could add a sentiment later. I’ll just have to wait and see.

STRIPED SHIRT

This project all began scraps from the Well Suited 12″ x 12″ Designer Series Paper (DSP) pack. I found this great Basic Gray and white pinstriped design that I thought would make a great shirt.

At 2-1/2″ x 4-1/2″ the scrap was larger than I’d usually use for a gift tag but I didn’t want to waste any. So I left it as it was and simply cut a piece of Whisper White Card the same size. Then using Multipurpose Liquid Glue (Tombow) I fixed the two pieces together.

Next I added an oval hole at the top using the Detailed Trio Punch. Then I tied a piece of Basic Gray twine from the Well Suited Twine Combo Pack through the hole. With that the basic tag was complete.

Of course at this point it didn’t look very shirt-like so it was time to pull out the Shirt & Tie Dies.

COLLAR AND TIE

I began by cutting out the collar piece from some Basic Gray Card. Then using liquid glue I fixed the top of the collar to the top of the tag, leaving the bottom of the collar free,

Next, from another scrap of the Well-Suited DSP, I die-cut the long tie and the separate knot piece. I wanted the tie to really stand out from the grey shirt so chose this very striking pattern in Poppy Parade. Then using more liquid glue I fixed the knot over the top of the tie for some subtle dimension. In hindsight I could have added a little Poppy Parade ink around the edges of the knot just to make it stand out a little more.

When I went to test the placement of the tie with the collar I realised that it would extend past the end of the tag. However, instead of starting over and making a longer tag, I decided to leave it as it was. So after putting liquid glue on the back, I slid the tie into place, tucking the knot under the tips of the collar.

My simple shirt and tie tag was done but as I looked at the dies I noticed the small die that cuts and embosses six little buttons. I simply couldn’t resist using it to die-cut a couple of buttons from the scrap Basic Gray Card still sitting on my desk. Then with a Sponge Dauber I added a little Basic Gray ink to the surface of the buttons. Finally I glued the buttons onto the collar and my shirt and tie tag was complete.

The colour scheme I chose today is quite formal but I definitely want to try it again using some really colourful floral paper. Now all I need to do is experiment with loosening that tie…

PRODUCT LIST

BUNDLE BONUS – I bought the Shirt & Tie Dies in a bundle with the coordinating Handsomely Suited Stamp Set (not used today) using a single ‘bundle’ item number. This meant that I saved 10% off the cost of buying the two items separately. I’ve included a link to the bundle in case you want to explore this option. Please note that while the stamp set and dies are in the new Annual Catalogue, the discounted bundle offer will end on May 3rd 2021.